[istjohn]

I would put it this way: in my eyes, the violent subjugation of Palestinians is brutal colonialism whether conducted by loosely organized vigilantes or officially state-sanctioned actors.

Of course the PA could not maintain power without Israeli support. They don't represent Palestinian interests.

[tguvot]

and who represents palestinian interests those days ?

[istjohn]

If Israel allowed elections, I could answer you, and Israel would have a negotiating partner. But I don't think Israel has any interest in negotiating.

[tguvot]

PA is the one that postpones elections, as polls over the years show Hamas winning. Just like in elections that happened in 2005 that USA pushed for

Has nothing to do with Israel.

PS. canada just said that will recognize palestine if it will hold elections (without hamas)

[AlecSchueler]

The fact that countries halfway around the world are using basic recognition as a coercive tool to shape their democratic expression is exactly why Hamas has any following.

[tguvot]

"we would like you to have democratic elections but we would like you to remove highest polling party from democratic process".

to be honest, reasons for hamas having following are many, and I doubt that this is the major one

[AlecSchueler]

I meant it as part of a broader pattern not the singular issue.